Life Lesson #5: Time Flies When You're Having Fun

9/02/2010 Estreitta 0 Comments

Life Lesson #5: Time Flies When You're Having Fun



This lesson took a while for me to get a hold of....  I found that it was a lot easier for me to be depressed and just dwell and focus on the junk going on in my life than picking myself up off the couch and go out into the world and have fun. Between my amazing Godly friends in my life and God intervening and protecting me at strategic times, I know for a fact that not be were I am right now.

Don't Let Depression Cripple You!



I had just gone through the worst relationship ever. I was recovering and being consoled by hanging out on my parents couch and watching reruns of the Brady Bunch eating tv dinners my dad would pick up by the dozens cause my mom was out of town.

Yeah it was pretty pathetic. But I do think when people are grieving over things they do need to check out for a little bit, the problem is that some don't know how to get out of it and 10 years later they are 700 lbs and they don't know how they ever got to this point.

If you have ever heard of or saw Ruby Gettinger story on the Style network you know what I'm talking about. If not, in short, at here heaviest, Ruby had gotten up to 700 lbs. Not until the last few years, with alot of very hard work, Ruby has gotten down to the 300's. She says she's never been that skinny in her adult life. Throughout the show you learn about how Ruby would sit in her comfy chair and just ate and ate. Then finally it caught up to her. Her health was in trouble so she had to do something about it and her friends were/are right beside her every step of the way.

This last Season, she also did things she had never done before she went to Australia went race car drive and even rode a horse. Ruby's Inspiring Story is motivation for anyone who needs to get out of their rut.

For Ruby, she needed to get out of her chair, her home, and her comfort zones.


Friends can be a life-line

I am so thankful I had friends that wouldn't let me sulk for too long. My BFF Mandy and I whenever we get together and one of us starts laughing it just is contagious.  Back when we were both single, I remember this one time when I was going through some very difficult stuff, we hung out at her apartment and I remember we just laughed all night about everything and anything.  I don't know if I had ever laughed that hard before. That night totally was instrumental in my life and it helped me forget the things I was worrying about and I realize that I just needed to enjoy life.  I don't know if I would have discovered that without that fun evening I had Mandy.


“I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun."  - Charles R. Swindoll 
Sometimes when friends are going through challenges, it can be difficult to know what to say to help them.  Talking helps, but taking the time to just be with friends where you just laugh about anything can be the life-line they needed. When you have a friend going though something, make an effort to hang out with them or invite them along to an outing or church event, concert, ballgame, movie, shopping can really make a HUGE difference in their life.




Don't Stay in the Pit
THE PIT

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out. He called for help...

A SUBJECTIVE person came along and said: "I feel for you, down there."

An OBJECTIVE person came along and said: "It's logical that someone would fall down there."

A PHARISEE said: "Only bad people fall into a pit."

A MATHEMATICIAN calculated how he fell into a pit.

A NEWS REPORTER wanted the exclusive story on his pit

A SPIRITUALIST said: "Your pit is only a state of mind.

A FUNDAMENTALIST said: "You deserve your pit."

A REALIST said: "Now THAT'S a pit."

 An I.R.S. MAN asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.

The CITY INSPECTOR asked if he had a permit to dig a pit.

A PROFESSOR gave him a lecture on: "The elementary principles of the pit."

A SELF-PITYING person said: "You haven't seen anything until you've seen MY pit!"

An OPTIMIST said: "Things could have been worse."

A PESSIMIST said: "Things will get worse!!"

A CHARISMATIC said: "just confess you're not in the pit."

AN EVANGELICAL said: "You should be saved from the pit."

JESUS, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit"

      - source unknown

I know that sometimes when you are the person going through it and struggling with depression it can get to a point where you feel alone, hopeless and miserable. Dwelling on what went wrong or the mistakes you made will not help you at all it just feeds it.  Don't let yourself Stay there!


For me, God speaks to me most often when I am either in the shower or in the car. Once while I was driving,  I was just thinking about all the mistakes I had made in my life and how I felt that it prevented me to fulfill the Call of God on my life.  Then I heard the Lord's still quiet voice say to me "Did you know that when you focus your thought on yourself rather than Me you are bringing the enemy glory?"

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (Young's Literal Translation)

 4For the weapons of our warfare [are] not fleshly, but powerful to God for bringing down of strongholds, 5reasonings bringing down, and every high thing lifted up against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of the Christ

That simple statement helped me see what I was doing.  Rather than walking in the forgiveness the Lord had given me and even more rather than praising Him and worshiping Him, I was so focusing on myself that was like praises to the enemy's ears.  Self focus is pride, and that pride can dig the pit deeper if you stay focused on yourself rather than the Savior of your Soul!

Psalm 40:2 (New King James Version)

 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
         Out of the miry clay,
         And set my feet upon a rock,
         
And established my steps.

Make a Change

When I was a college student, I felt that I was continually making the same mistakes and dealling with the same issues over and over.

During this one season of my life, I started hanging out with people who weren't Christians and instead of me being a light in the darkness the darkness began to creep into my life.  Standards and values I thought I would never compromise on I began to "not have a problem with it."

Before too long I stopped going to church, hanging out with or speaking with my True friends, and I would find myself in places and situations I never thought I would.  The next day I would ask God for forgiveness and I asked Him to help me change and not allow these things to drag me in to a dark place. It became a vicious cycle. I know it seems so obvious now, but back then I thought I was helping these people.

One day I was asking the Lord, "How in the world did I get here?" and He showed me how I began to lower my boundaries and began to accept things that i knew was causing a separation between Him and I.   I had to make a change,  I had to choose between life and death.  I am thankful I chose life!

One of the Choices I had to make was even quitting the job I working at, even though the pay was really good and I really enjoyed it it was where most of the people I became friends with that were dragging me down.  Now let me also say this, that even though these particular friends weren't "Christians" there are some people in your life that say they are Christians and you know you have to separate yourself from them too because they are not choosing Life either.

Other simple things you can do to make a change is the scenery go visit friends or family you haven't seen in a while. After I quit my Job, I knew I needed to get a way for a while.  So i went to visit my Family in Pennsylvania for a few months, I even got a Temp Job there so I could make some money while I was there.

Do something that you've always wanted to do but haven't.  When I was a freshman in College, I had just broken up with my first boyfriend. When we were dating we had decided that we'd go skydiving and I reserved for us to go in the spring with a deposit.  So Since we weren't together and I still had the reservation and I didnt want to loose my deposit & mostly because I always wanted to do it; I decided to go Skydiving anyways! It was so amazing, I'd love to do it again sometime!



Rather than using all of your emotion and energy to stay depressed let it empower you instead by having fun!  Life can be difficult at times, but its what you do with that time that can change your life!

Time truly does fly when you have fun.  I was just talking about this with some friends yesterday, Erik and I will be celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary in May.  But you know it doesn't feel like we've been married for almost a decade.  I like to think that it is because we are too busy having fun and enjoying our lives together!






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Life Lesson #4: Declutter the Distractions

7/16/2010 Estreitta 0 Comments

Life Lesson #4: Declutter the Distractions



Merriam-Webster dictionary defines distract as: "to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives" or another definition of distraction "an obstacle to attention"


Several years ago the Lord taught me the lesson of Decluttering the Distractions in my life. It was a difficult process but when I began to implement this into my life I saw breakthrough in many areas of my life.


Life Distractions:


Most of us can get distracted by even the simplest things, but if it draws our attention for too long we might get sucked into this maze of "confusion and conflicting emotions" that only with God's help can we get back to where He wanted us. If the enemy uses distraction to get us focused on anything else but God.

There are things and/or people in all of our lives that hinder or distract us. These distractions are most often time stealers, relationship destroyers and drain and suck the life out of us. They take our time and focus off of things that are truly important like our family and our relationship with God.


Dating Distractions:

For me, my biggest distractions were my dating relationships and some friendships. 

When I was single college student, it was so ironic how when I made a commitment to myself and the Lord that I would only pursue Him and stay away from men, dating, and pursuing any relationship.  And you know every time all the nice good looking Christian guys would all come out of the wood works all at the same time and want to  date me. 

Now you have to understand that I didn't really date anyone till I got to college.  I had only pecked kissed a boy once when I was 9, then got so sick of my stomach that I "broke" up with him the next day.  Sure, I had crushes on boys, but none of them ever "liked" me back or at least I never knew they did.

So then from never really getting attention from guys calling me frequently to  getting asked out to go out with them to the movies, concerts and bible studies, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. 

Looking back not all of it was bad, but then there were parts of it that took me many tears and years, (until I met Erik, PTL)  to get healed from everything I experienced.  Some of these relationships started out seemingly good and then slowly they began to be a distraction.

It seemed every time I got out of a dating relationship, I tried to figure out , "How did I get so far away from you God?" I'd try evaluate the choices and recall all that had transpired.  After a while (yeah unfortunately it took me a while) I began to realize that my relationships even though they were with a Godly Christian guy, I needed to keep Jesus as the Center!  When the focus and center of my attention was only the guy I was dating the less I spent time with the Lord.  When I realized that I had to make a choice in the path I was going to take in my dating relationships:  The guy I was going to date needed to be a man that would Honor me in every way possible and that he desired to honor God with the choices he made in his life.  I am Glad I made that commitment because that is when God brought Erik into my life.


Friendship Distractions:

The declutter in my friendships was I came to the realization that True friends are those who were honest, built you up, edify you, encourage you and pray for you.  And It is extremely important that your friendships are healthy and they are a reciprocal relationship.  There were people in my life at the time that talked about me behind my back, that would ask me to do things or go places i wasn't comfortable with, nor did they want me to succeed in my life.  It was a hard choice for me to let go of these friends, because I felt like I had invested so much time and energy in developing these friendships it was hard to walk away.


Technological Distractions


I can think of a laundry list of things that maybe seem so minor to some, but I have seen these things destroy marriages and cause division in families. 

One example, a friend's spouse got sucked into playing one of these virtual games, similar to Secondlife, but i can remember the name I think it was called War Craft or something...  the spouse at first would spend an hour or so on the computer playing this game.  Then it would eventually lead to  five hours and then onto all night and day on this program.  This person had gotten so involved in this game that it was causing marital issues. 

The spouse then didn't want to leave the house in case something happened in their game.  This game also interfered with their job and in the end the couple ended up getting a divorce after only a few years of marriage.  My friend was devastated.  I think for a long time he didn't even own a computer because of the loss he experience and looking at a computer just caused so much pain.  His ex-wife got so consumed into this game that it ended something that was intended for greatness.  Now in itself the computer nor game wasn't bad.  But the focus and time she spent playing the game rather than spending it with her new husband was no a good use of her time.

I also notice sometimes when Erik and I are out doing errands or going out to eat, that many times we see couples where they are both on the phone or texting the entire time they are eating and don't even interact with each other.   I think technology can be a great resource, but if we are so consumed by this technology that you don't even interact with your kids or spouse like you used to then something has gotta change.

Thought Distractions:

This one was the biggest distraction in my life that took me forever to learn.  I used to worry all the time.  I would worry about my family, my friends, money, bills, etc.  My Sophomore year at college I was diagnosed with GERDS, every morning I would wake up with an upset stomach.  I was so full of anxiety that it was causing me to become physically ill.  It was a horrible experience.  During that timeI bought this book by Barbara Johnson, that showed me no matter how bad it could or would get I needed to Trust that God had it all under control.  If you haven't read this book and you struggle with worry I highly recommend this book!

Once I got set free from Worrying and through prayer, I was healed of Gerds and haven't had a recurrence in almost 10 years.

The verse that I meditated on frequently during that time was:

Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

I believe that worrying can be the most difficult distraction to overcome, but wit God's help and allowing Him to change your way of thinking - a paradigm shift - You will be SET FREE!

Don't allow distractions, whatever they are to hold you back from fulfilling your purpose and calling.  The enemy wants to do whatever he can to get your focus on others, things and even yourself because it pulls your attention away from what really matters... Your Drawing Closer to Lord and Trusting Him with All Things!



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Open Letter to President Obama about Volunteerism

6/17/2010 Estreitta 0 Comments

Today, I was thinking about ways that could raise morale in our country and then I decided to write President Obama.  Below is what I wrote.



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Dear President Obama:


I would like to propose an idea for you to consider that I believe would raise morale in our country: a Vonunteer Tax Credit.

Currently, the tax code only allows tax-deductible donations for items with a value such as money, clothing, vehicles, etc. If someone were to volunteer their skilled service to an organization, the only thing they can deduct are expenses for mileage.

While many citizens in our country are out of work, I think it would spark more involvement with community service and outreach. I think our country really needs to get back to the mentality of helping our neighbors and those in need. I am reminded of stories of my grand parents sharing how the community would come together back in WWI & WWII to donate nylons and metals to the army, communities would come together and share food to those in need.

How much more of an incentive for people who have never volunteered before to be able to offer their time and skills to non-profit organizations and be able to receive tax credits for their service?

I believe it would also engage corporate America to be more willing to donate their staff time and resources.

With so many recent tragic events happening all across our country, I truly believe if we did more to incentivise volunteerism many people who are down and out would be motivated to help and engage more in the community.

Not to mention all of the faithful volunteers currently helping organizations, who are struggling to make ends meet because donations are down all accross the board.

Even though I did not vote for or agree with about 80% of your platforms, I do pray for God to give you wisdom and strength to lead our country. I hope this administration would consider implementing something to engage more volunteers and help turn the morale of our country around.


Best regards,

I. Estreitta de Kluetz

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I'd like to know your toughts on my idea!

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Life Lesson #3: Take Time

3/24/2010 Estreitta 0 Comments

Life Lesson #3: Take Time

When things get crazy in your life, it is so crucial that you take time to release, relax, and reflect. This is such a good thing to do regularly especially, so you get your emotions out instead of bottling it all up.  If you were anything like me, its easy to just keep going and going without ever taking time for yourself.


When I would get to a breaking point, I learned that it was important for me to take time to get away from everything and take time seek the Lord.  Rememering that we can go to the Lord and lay everything down at his feet.


Psalm 68:19 (New International Version)Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah
This one literally saved my life, because it is also when God listened to my hearts cry and spoke to me and comforted me in my time of need.

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Life Lesson #2: Choose Wisely

3/09/2010 Estreitta 1 Comments


Life Lesson #2: Choose Wisely:


Everyday we are asked to make choices big and small.  Some of those choices may seem insignificant while others may affect the next 10 years of your life.


Several years ago, I visited the Potters House for a Sunday night service and I heard Pastor TD Jakes say:


"Every decision you have made in your life good and bad big or small, easy or difficult, have brought you to this very place and time to bring you here tonight"


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Life Lesson #1: Quiet your Stinkin' Thinkin'

3/08/2010 Estreitta 1 Comments

Today, I was talking with a friend who is dealing with so much uncertainty, that they were feeling so overwhelmed, hopeless, and on the verge of depression.  I told them what I went through when I was in college, so many times I wanted to give up even on my life.  If it weren't for my trust in God's faithfulness and some  life lessons He taught me along the way I am sure I wouldn't be here today.  So after sharing them with my friend, I thought i might share them over the next few blogs, and hopefully it would offer some encouragement to those going though some uncertainty of their own.

Life Lesson #1: Quiet your Stinkin' Thinkin':

Even though things don't look good right now maybe the tunnel is so dark you can't even see an inkling of a light at the end of it, I promise you everything will work out!

One of the best ways I found in the midst of so much stress and anxiety is to THINK Positively

 I know that it may be difficult to  think positively with so much seemingly going wrong.  But does thinking negatively help you either? 

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